• Hey Guest. Check out your NeoGAF Wrapped 2025 results here!

Why doesn't anybody care about Tearaway?

I have played the Vita game and found it to be seriously lacking in the gameplay department. It is beautiful and has a nice style, but the gameplay is just gimmicky, way too easy and controls get in the player's way for no good reason. I was seriously looking forward to it, as a huge 3d platformer fan but it is just... not a good platformer. A prime example for style over substance. The reason I did not buy a PS4 for it is: The PS4 version looks like it does not play much better.
 
@MUWANdo said:
There aren't "masses of people" on either side--the game flopped on Vita and looks to be flopping even harder on PS4, so it isn't resonating with many people from the outset, and it doesn't have the whole "unsung Vita game gets a second chance" narrative that something like Gravity Rush has because it wasn't that well-received even by the people who did play it.

People keep floating this idea that gamers are too jaded to play cutesy games or that it's too "Nintendo-like" or whatever but the reality is that this particular game simply isn't appealing to a lot of people.
Click to expand...

I'm only including the people who actually played the game in my example, so the sales figures aren't really relevant. As for how well received it was, didn't it garner an awful lot of acclaim from both critics and players (especially for the original release)?
 
Figboy79 said:
The same reason why people don't care about the Vita: they're asshats.

Tearaway is amazing. I bought it day one on the Vita, 100% completed it, and I bought it on PS4 today, actually, because I forgot it even came out for PS4, and saw it was on sale this morning when I purchased Dark Souls 2 and Submerged.

It was a delightful game on the Vita. I think I didn't stop smiling the entire time I was playing it. I'm looking forward ton checking out the PS4 version as well. Super charming game, and more Vita and PS4 owners should buy it. Media Molecule is an insanely charming developer, and they just have this...something...that makes me pick up whatever they create.
Click to expand...

Almost gave up reading this page when this popped up. I completely agree and while I understand that we don't all like the same games, I'm floored that the most people just seem to hate Tearaway. Feels like being punched in the face, because I consider it a great game.
 
MiamiWesker said:
As a huge platformer fan this was a massive disappointment. It is a super simplistic easy mostly boring platformer. It kind of has that N64 platformer feel but it can't hold a candle to those games. It does have tons of unique mechanics but it's not used all that well and a bunch of stuff feels like busy work like take pictures of random objects. It's an ok game but LBP is so much better than this.
Click to expand...

This is right. Coming from platformers that are 10, 15, even 20 years old now, there's nothing new here. I'd rather replay banjo, Mario 64, heck even LBP 1 and 2.

Those that love Tearaway here (some passionately), have you played any 3D N64 era platformers? Those have LOTS of charm too (lol Conker).
 
I've been flip-flopping on buying this for PS4 the last few months and came close to pulling the trigger a few times.

I think the biggest problem for me is that I don't really understand what it is. I mean I know its a platformer but I've tried to watch video reviews to understand and I get no clarification.

I know I could just download the demo, but I never feel motivated to do it with all the other games I currently have to play. Maybe I'll pick it up someday if I'm bored.
 
Went to GameStop today, I have a 30 dollar gift card, was planning on getting this for PS4 but they didn't have a used copy : / I'm sure I'll pick it up at some point.
 
Moosehole said:
I've been flip-flopping on buying this for PS4 the last few months and came close to pulling the trigger a few times.

I think the biggest problem for me is that I don't really understand what it is. I mean I know its a platformer but I've tried to watch video reviews to understand and I get no clarification.

I know I could just download the demo, but I never feel motivated to do it with all the other games to play. Maybe I'll pick it up someday if I'm bored.
Click to expand...

My advice would be "Don't think of it as a platformer first". 2+2=5 did a nice job of summarising it earlier:

2+2=5 said:
Tearaway is one of those games i define "adventure games", not in the sense of point and click, but in the sense that there's not a focus on shooting, platforming, fighting, puzzling etc, the main character lives a "true" adventure where there's a little of this, a little of that but nothing is really prevalent.
Click to expand...
 
For what I recall the Vita game came out exactly the same day Super Mario 3D World and The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds launched. Never got to play it myself, perhaps the PS4 one.

Blackleg-sanji1 said:
Tearway would be at like 2mil+ if it was on Nintendo im not even joking. Its a very good game but the audience just isn't there. Hell kid friendly games sell better on every platform.
Click to expand...

Eh, I think it could, not would. For example, The Wonderful 101 is very much a "Nintendo audience" game and it didn't do that well.
 
Spine_Ripper said:
Most people have been saying this. And for a good reason. Game doesn't get amazing til hour 3.
Click to expand...

That's what I figured. I mean, I love the art design but I really hope that the rest improves for me to love it too. Those who do seem rather passionate about it. I'll get back to it after New Year's.
 
I'm puzzled that most people thought they were gonna play a pure platform game. You can't compare this game to a platformer. This is an adventure game with platform elements.
 
Moosehole said:
Much appreciated that helps a bit
Click to expand...

No probs. Since you've actually got me thinking about this, here's some more detail.

Rather than what you'd typically call "platforming", Tearaway is much more about "traversal" I guess. For example, there's lots of situations where getting to a new area means navigating the environment in unusual ways. Sometimes you'll be tapping the touchpad to bounce your character across some big drums. Sometimes you'll be tilting your controller to move floating platforms close enough to be reached. Sometimes you'll be shining a light on a plant so that it grows and can be used as a stepping stone. Sometimes you'll be swiping the touchpad to send a gust of wind that'll raise or lower a ramp or staircase. And so on.

Combat is very simple. Roll around to knock down enemies, then grab them and toss them into hazards, off cliffs or into one another to take them out. There's a couple of tools that add some extra options, but it stays simple throughout.

There's a big element of creativity too. Often you'll be tasked with things like designing a hat for a character, or giving them a new face, or jazzing an object up with decorations. Other times you'll be creating a butterfly or snowflake design that'll suddenly appear in the world, or taking a picture that an animal might use as their new texture.

There's also your typical 3D adventure stuff with collectibles (confetti pieces are the main currency, plus gift boxes that require a little extra exploring or traversal and white objects that need to be photographed to be collected) and occasional vehicle/animal riding sections.

All of that aside, you'll find lots of weird and interesting tasks that don't fall within those categories scattered throughout the game. Many use the unique inputs of the DS4 in usual ways, while others are more traditional mini-game type deals.
 
Huh. I personally loved it on Vita. Bought it at its release. I bought the PS4 version today thanks to the sale.

I think a lot of people have never even given the game (in either iteration) a chance. It seems to me that a lot of gamers now think they are too "mature" for whimsical games or games with really off the wall creative art direction. If a game doesn't have its fair share of "pew pew" or hack and slash, it will probably end up a niche title. I don't seem to recall this always being the case, but I guess it's where the market is now.

No matter, as long as games like this keep being made, I'll be there to buy them.
 
PaulloDEC said:
No probs. Since you've actually got me thinking about this, here's some more detail.

Rather than what you'd typically call "platforming", Tearaway is much more about "traversal" I guess. For example, there's lots of situations where getting to a new area means navigating the environment in unusual ways. Sometimes you'll be tapping the touchpad to bounce your character across some big drums. Sometimes you'll be tilting your controller to move floating platforms close enough to be reached. Sometimes you'll be shining a light on a plant so that it grows and can be used as a stepping stone. Sometimes you'll be swiping the touchpad to send a gust of wind that'll raise or lower a ramp or staircase. And so on.

Combat is very simple. Roll around to knock down enemies, then grab them and toss them into hazards, off cliffs or into one another to take them out. There's a couple of tools that add some extra options, but it stays simple throughout.

There's a big element of creativity too. Often you'll be tasked with things like designing a hat for a character, or giving them a new face, or jazzing an object up with decorations. Other times you'll be creating a butterfly or snowflake design that'll suddenly appear in the world, or taking a picture that an animal might use as their new texture.

There's also your typical 3D adventure stuff with collectibles (confetti pieces are the main currency, plus gift boxes that require a little extra exploring or traversal and white objects that need to be photographed to be collected) and occasional vehicle/animal riding sections.

All of that aside, you'll find lots of weird and interesting tasks that don't fall within those categories scattered throughout the game. Many use the unique inputs of the DS4 in usual ways, while others are more traditional mini-game type deals.
Click to expand...

You did an excellent job describing Tearaway!
 
I care OP. Platformers did sell great once on PS platforms. The days when Sony actually focused on marketing them and did not "de-prioritize" them if you will among their other releases. In general I think (barring a few efforts), Sony software marketing is subpar - even among their "core-audience" software.
 
DigitalScrap said:
Huh. I personally loved it on Vita. Bought it at its release. I bought the PS4 version today thanks to the sale.

I think a lot of people have never even given the game (in either iteration) a chance. It seems to me that a lot of gamers now think they are too "mature" for whimsical games or games with really off the wall creative art direction. If a game doesn't have its fair share of "pew pew" or hack and slash, it will probably end up a niche title. I don't seem to recall this always being the case, but I guess it's where the market is now.

No matter, as long as games like this keep being made, I'll be there to buy them.
Click to expand...

Maybe. But the fact a game is *not* a million seller doesn't mean it's unsuccessful. Nor does it mean the game is "niche".

LBP has done extremely well. As has Minecraft. Rayman Origins and Legends too. And even angry birds (if we can bring mobile into this conversation). If any of these sold 100k, would we label them niche and say everyone feels too mature to enjoy? I know you're not intending to generalize, I see your point, and Tearaway is very unique in a cool way. But I can totally understand why 9/10 people wouldn't give it a second look when they have incredible alternatives - including retro and indie games.

It's the same reason players with limited time may choose to spend it on Halo MP instead of say Rainbow Six MP. Personally I'd much rather spend more time with LBP 3 than Tearaway.
 
Blackleg-sanji1 said:
Tearway would be at like 2mil+ if it was on Nintendo im not even joking. Its a very good game but the audience just isn't there. Hell kid friendly games sell better on every platform.
Click to expand...

As far as I'm aware, Rayman games have sold fairly well, as has LittleBigPlanet, even LittleBigPlanet 3's sales are several folds greater than Tearaway.

While I reviewed Tearaway, and scored it a 9... I think the games characters are really unappealing. Looking at them, they just didn't make me want to play the game.

I also think it would have been a more appealing game with an open world approach to its level design. There's a sizable audience that are looking for a return of the 'collectathon' platformer, akin to Super Mario 64, and Banjo Kazooie.

Media Molecule chose to ignore that audience by producing a relatively linear platformer. I am not aware of many that want that type of game. While within what the game offers, it does nothing wrong, providing a near flawless experience, it just doesn't offer what people want. I have never heard people asking for a linear third person platformer. Not once have I heard that be a sub-genre that people follow, at least not since Crash Bandicoot.
 
I think Mm are creative as hell and love their aesthitic but I am just not a fan of how their game's control, and I'm super picky with controls in platformers.
 
I liked the Vita version mainly for the 3D platforming that did exist. It helped that I ended up enjoying the look/style/charm of the game too. I would like there to be more of a focus on challenging platforming sections and all, but it was a nice and relaxing experience all around and I like that sometimes. So it's a good game in my book.

But yeah the beginning is slow.
 
I didn't realize so many people hated Tearaway until I came into this thread. It's kind of sad, really. We often complain to high heaven about the lack of creativity in gaming these days, but when games like Gravity Rush and Tearaway appear on the scene, they are almost universally ignored or trashed.

It's a shame, because Tearaway is a game unlike many others out there. It feels like a throwback to 3D games of the PS1 and N64 era, while having a visually pleasing aesthetic and modern visuals. The paper cutout look isn't new or innovative, that's not what I'm saying, but I'm saying the game looks neat, and has some clever gameplay, especially when played on the Vita. It could have easily have been gimmicky and cringy, but the Vita specific functions are utilized in such a fun, charming way, that I couldn't help but grin from ear to ear while I played.

The story, much like LittleBigPlanet, oozes cutesy charm, and it feels like a for all ages game, not a game designed to appeal to cynical 30 somethings that are becoming more jaded as each new console cycle approaches (I say this as a not so cynical and jaded 36 year old, who's been gaming since 1985).

Tearaway does indeed start off slow. Things don't really pick up until you finally get the jump ability a good two or so hours into the game. Even so, it's still pretty charming from the beginning to me. It has a nice sense of wonder to those early stages.

I don't have issues with those that have played it and decided it wasn't for them (although, playing it for 20 minutes barely counts as playing it. I've played truly shitty games for at least two or three hours before signing off for good...), but mainly those that never touched it, and wrote it off for some reason or other.

Tearaway isn't for everybody, but "not for me" doesn't equal: "game must be bad because it's not for me."

Hell, I don't like the Gears of War series, personally, but I'd be the first to tell you that they are incredibly well made, enjoyable third person shooters, I just didn't find them personally appealing. You don't have to like something because others do, but it's always good practice to play or not play something because you want to. Some of my favorite games of all time have not been loved by the masses, some have. It's a shame that Tearaway didn't find a bigger audience, but that's probably more to do with marketing (or lack thereof), than specific consumer interest.
 
catpurrcat said:
Maybe. But the fact a game is *not* a million seller doesn't mean it's unsuccessful. Nor does it mean the game is "niche".

LBP has done extremely well. As has Minecraft. Rayman Origins and Legends too. And even angry birds (if we can bring mobile into this conversation). If any of these sold 100k, would we label them niche and say everyone feels too mature to enjoy? I know you're not intending to generalize, I see your point, and Tearaway is very unique in a cool way. But I can totally understand why 9/10 people wouldn't give it a second look when they have incredible alternatives - including retro and indie games.

It's the same reason players with limited time may choose to spend it on Halo MP instead of say Rainbow Six MP. Personally I'd much rather spend more time with LBP 3 than Tearaway.
Click to expand...

Fair points. And I certainly don't mean to generalize, but I guess I just see what seem to be cookie cutter games in other genres do really well, while games like Tearaway (and even LBP3, which I also love - it hasn't sold nearly as well as previous versions) get passed up by most.

But you're right, a game doesn't have to sell 5+ million copies to be a success.

Figboy79 said:
I didn't realize so many people hated Tearaway until I came into this thread. It's kind of sad, really. We often complain to high heaven about the lack of creativity in gaming these days, but when games like Gravity Rush and Tearaway appear on the scene, they are almost universally ignored or trashed.

It's a shame, because Tearaway is a game unlike many others out there. It feels like a throwback to 3D games of the PS1 and N64 era, while having a visually pleasing aesthetic and modern visuals. The paper cutout look isn't new or innovative, that's not what I'm saying, but I'm saying the game looks neat, and has some clever gameplay, especially when played on the Vita.

The story, much like LittleBigPlanet, oozes cutesy charm, and it feels like a for all ages game, not a game designed to appeal to cynical 30 somethings that are becoming more jaded as each new console cycle approaches (I say this as a not so cynical and jaded 36 year old, who's been gaming since 1985).
Click to expand...

I agree with you, and I am similar, although I'm a not so cynical and jaded 43 year old who started gaming in '77 or '78 (My first home system was a Coleco Marksman lol).
 
Yoshi said:
I have played the Vita game and found it to be seriously lacking in the gameplay department. It is beautiful and has a nice style, but the gameplay is just gimmicky, way too easy and controls get in the player's way for no good reason. I was seriously looking forward to it, as a huge 3d platformer fan but it is just... not a good platformer. A prime example for style over substance. The reason I did not buy a PS4 for it is: The PS4 version looks like it does not play much better.
Click to expand...

My thoughts exactly. It's one of those games I really wanted to like but in the end it's just boring to play.
 
Loved the Vita version. Bought the PS4 version at launch and I'm still slowly playing through it. A lot of new content, but the camera is pretty wonky.
 
Omnistalgic said:
The heck does that mean? GAF is the authority on what's good? Lol...come now.
Click to expand...

Well. If NeoGAF Awards is not enough for you:

TNVEgqH.png
Click to expand...

http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-vita/tearaway

In addition:

  • Tearaway won Edge '​s 2013 award for best visual design in a game.
  • BAFTA Video Games Awards – Best Mobile & Handheld Game, Best Artistic Achievement and best Family game

So, it's far from being:
Omnistalgic said:
...
pretty average game without the beautiful art direction and features.
Click to expand...
 
There's this weird false narrative throughout this thread that people who disliked this game require space marines and/or "pew pew" to enjoy a title and just don't have the temperament for high art like Tearaway.

At least in my case, that's just not true. I don't play many shooters (Splatoon aside) and my GOTY is Ori, and in years past have included Rayman Origins, Transistor, etc.

This was just a poorly executed game that leaned too heavily on its art style and as another poster described it 2005 DS-era gimmicks.
 
Personally from what I have seen of the game, it just looks like gimmicky shite. Nothing to do with it being a "kiddy" game or anything.
 
Not a fan of Media Molecule anymore tbh. Maybe Tearaway could change my mind but I don't feel like investing time and money in their games when there is so much else I believe I will enjoy a lot more.
 
Icyflamez96 said:
I liked the Vita version mainly for the 3D platforming that did exist. It helped that I ended up enjoying the look/style/charm of the game too. I would like there to be more of a focus on challenging platforming sections and all, but it was a nice and relaxing experience all around and I like that sometimes. So it's a good game in my book.

But yeah the beginning is slow.
Click to expand...

I.... I couldn't even finish the demo :(
 
Hi gaf, should I buy it..?

Local game store here have bundled Driveclub, Little Big Planet 3, and Tearaway Unfolded for ~$48

It's kinda pricey here, for comparison ordinary lunch is $1~$2, and I just want Tearaway, but it's ok if others are good
 
I got it for Christmas and it's been addicting to play!

It's a shame these types of games aren't marketed properly. Same could be said for Puppeteer and Sly 4 which had zero advertising upon release.
 
@MUWANdo said:
There aren't "masses of people" on either side--the game flopped on Vita and looks to be flopping even harder on PS4, so it isn't resonating with many people from the outset, and it doesn't have the whole "unsung Vita game gets a second chance" narrative that something like Gravity Rush has because it wasn't that well-received even by the people who did play it.
Click to expand...

WAT!? The vita version has an 87 on metacritic and the PS4 version is sitting at 81.


Steve McQueen said:
Almost gave up reading this page when this popped up. I completely agree and while I understand that we don't all like the same games, I'm floored that the most people just seem to hate Tearaway. Feels like being punched in the face, because I consider it a great game.
Click to expand...
I agree. I just beat it today and it was such an incredible experience. The ending actually made me get a little emotional. It's just so damn upbeat and happy! It makes me so sad that so many people seem to hate it :(
 
@MUWANdo said:
There aren't "masses of people" on either side--the game flopped on Vita and looks to be flopping even harder on PS4, so it isn't resonating with many people from the outset, and it doesn't have the whole "unsung Vita game gets a second chance" narrative that something like Gravity Rush has because it wasn't that well-received even by the people who did play it.
Click to expand...

Tearaway did very well critically on the Vita with both journalists and gamers alike. Gravity Rush is probably going to sell the same atleast in the west which is not good. Doesn't mean they aren't great games though, just not everyones cup of tea.
 
I actually bought it on Vita and playing it for a bit. Honestly it seemed like something that was targeted more towards children than adults so I stopped playing it.
 
Game may be good, I just don't like the design and aesthetic to care. I had the same problem with Skullgirls.

In short, nothing personal.
 
@MUWANdo said:
People keep floating this idea that gamers are too jaded to play cutesy games or that it's too "Nintendo-like" or whatever but the reality is that this particular game simply isn't appealing to a lot of people.
Click to expand...

I think those of us who like it do so very much and it's hard to understand someone not even giving the game a try. While I get the idea that the game would probably be well received on a Nintendo console, it has the best chance of selling on PS4. There's simply more people to sell to worldwide.

Puppeteer is another great game that should have done a lot better. :( Puppeteer actually gave me 90's Rare vibes.
 
It was short, had minimal replay value, and the much-advertised "message" that they promise you at the end of the game is literally just (don't even know why I'm spoiler-tagging this)
a gallery of all the pictures the game made you take while the narrator retells the story.

It wasn't worth the $40 I spent on it at the launch of the Vita version. Media Molecule should stick with LittleBigPlanet, we need another good one after the abomination that was LittleBigPlanet 3.
 
I got the Vita one awhile ago. I absolutely loved it. Great charm, the gimmicks weren't to bad and worked good. Once I get arounf to buying a PS4 I will be picking up that version also.
 
I just downloaded and and completed the demo, and it's charming as hell. I rarely get hooked on demos, but Tearaway's managed to produce a couple of smiles from me. I'll definitely buy it once I finish TLoU Remaster.

As for the complaints of the pacing, if the demo truly is the 'worst' section of the game, then I can't wait to play through the following sections!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

  • Locked
Why no one talking about Tokyo Scramble?
4
215
Deerock71 replied
Eurogamer gives Arc Raiders a 2/5. Concord received a 3/5. Why do we care about game journalists again?
2 3
111
1K
MMaRsu replied
Why is no one talking about what is going on with Sony?
2
67
754
DenchDeckard replied
Hardware Unboxed - Why Doesn't Black Ops 7 Look the Same on AMD?
2
348
Branded replied
If Sony really cared about making money on PC with single player games
2
94
912
Larxia replied
Top Bottom